So if you're like many, including myself, I find myself clicking my Facebook App on my phone more than any other. I also pathetically find myself "facebooking" at times I probably shouldn't be. One of my friends (yes, Facebook friends) updated her status last week describing her contemplation of deleting her Facebook page. It said something along the lines of how Facebook allowed her to make impersonal relationships of those that should be personal and that those who truly cared about her should consider sending her their private info so she can keep in touch. This statement had me thinking -- should I delete my Facebook? Am I offending people? What good does this social media site actually bring to my life?

Here is what I concluded...

Yes, Facebook becomes an unhealthy addiction to many and can become out of hand, but that's to be said about any addiction, not just Facebook. My hubby can sure rack up the game time on his phone! We live in a world that we're uncomfortable being bored and staying stagnant -- we want everything, including information, immediately. If you have a moment to yourself, you don't spend it taking a deep breathe, a slow stroll around the block or reading a book. You find yourself scanning your phone. I was walking through the mall the other day and noticed most, if not all, people in which I passed had their heads down into their phones texting while passing through. It's amazing how we've learned and become acclimated to this type of anti-social behavior when in fact it's called "social" media.

Anyhow -- back to what my friend said. I do agree with her overall point that her once personal relationships were becoming impersonal. However, there are hundreds of people I've been able to connect with that I'd otherwise have no clue WHATSOEVER is going on in their lives! Mostly because time, distance or some other reason kept us from keeping in touch -- it happens. This friend is a perfect example of that. We were once best friends in high school. Spent nearly every day together for a good two to three years. As it goes, life happened and we had moved apart and lost touch for quite some time. Now, while I'd love to be able to catch up with her and a bunch of my other Facebook friends via phone on a semi-regular basis, it's just not realistically in the cards for either of us. She's a hard-working mother of three and well -- you know my life chaos.

Okay, get to the point Kristin. My point is that I enjoy Facebook. Sure I get annoyed with it and need to periodically take a break, but I enjoy keeping up with friends from my present and past at least a little opposed to nothing at all. Granted a "like" here or "comment" there may not convey that I appreciate them, but I hope they know that I am paying attention and clearly I care or I wouldn't have ever accepted your friend request in the first place.

In this day and age I rarely have a chance to catch the news. I found out about the Boston Marathon attacks via Facebook. Today I learned one of my friends from college is expecting her first baby and sent her a card in the mail congratulating her. Last week I was able to get advice from all my local friends on where to place my daughter in school.

So here's what I say to you my fellow Facebook friends. Thank you for putting up with my annoying, irritating and motherly rants about my crazy kids. I'm sure they are irritating. Don't worry -- the feeling is mutual. Thank you for allowing me into your life and sharing the information you do so I may stay informed. Although I may not connect with you often on a more personal level please know that...